Just one week after Babes Grill & Bar shut its doors, the restaurant is open again for a unique opportunity. Before the building is completely torn down, Babes owner Lynn Haker allowed the Madison Fire Department to use the restaurant as a training ground for real-life scenarios.
“We've taught and taught and taught them for 10 weeks. Got them through the different evolutions, and now they function as an engine or ladder company. And they actually go in and are put through like I said, those different stations,” says Lt. Brian Lofy, Madison Fire Department.
The space provides room for what firefighters call “destructive training,” with the opportunity to practice large area search and rescues, a Rapid Intervention Team, or “RIT,” to rescue firefighters in need, and even break down parts of the building. Lt. Lofy says using a restaurant to practice is “rare” for the department.